Welcome to Sydney Distance Education High School. We are a large public school with almost 1400 students where more than 180 experienced teachers and 24 highly skilled support staff contribute to students' flexible learning by distance. Students learn in many ways: written materials, CD, DVD, video, over the telephone, by email and on the World Wide Web through online lessons developed using the Moodle learning management system. We also engage students through videoconferencing, student online forums, school and home visits, study days, excursions and peer support activities. We encourage students to take advantage of  these opportunities to enhance their learning and sense of connection to their peers, their teachers and their school.

We are also celebrating the success of our 2008 Higher School Certificate students. Four of our students were published in the Best in Subject list: Bro Reveleigh, Aboriginal Studies (3rd in state), Asiful Islam, Engineering Studies (9th in state), Sylvie Ashford, German Beginners (2nd in state) and Hanna Smith, Textiles and Design (3rd in state).

Sylvie Ashford, who received a University Admissions Index (UAI) of 99.4 was recognised in the Top All-rounders list for scoring 90 or above in all her courses. Hanna Smith and Michaela Kryzszton were selected to exhibit their Major Textiles Projects in the 2008 Texstyle Exhibition which tours NSW. Stefan Cvetkovic (pianist) and Jessie Fairweather (singer) were nominated for Encore, a showcase of outstanding music performances.

Also, we had a significant increase in the number of students achieving top results. More than 40% of all the Bands awarded for the HSC were Band 5 or Band 6 (the highest). There was a 25% increase in Bands 5 and 6 from the previous year. These are absolutely outstanding results and I congratulate the students, teachers, support staff, supervisors and families who worked together to achieve them. I also congratulate all the students who worked so hard to achieve their own very best, many of whom are continuing in a range of further education opportunities.

In 2006 Sydney Distance Education High School was one of four schools which received a commendation for Outstanding School Achievement. This award was for our whole school programs in building relationships and enhancing student participation over a sustained period. We continue to provide so many opportunities for creative and challenging flexible learning as we focus on quality individualised education for every one of our students.

In 2009-2011 we have determined four priorities to build on our success including increasing e-learning opportunities for students.

• Target 1 - Improve student learning outcomes through enhancing student participation and engagement in learning including a quality teaching focus on literacy, numeracy and ICT.
• Target 2  - Develop students' capacities to prepare for the future by enhancing the diversity of challenging and creative learning opportunities including learning through new technologies and vocational experiences.
• Target 3 - Support student wellbeing by enhancing partnerships between students, parents, caregivers, community and our school.
• Target 4 - Enhance teacher and SASS professional learning opportunities.

Learn more about distance education and our school through this website where we communicate, collaborate and celebrate.

Enjoy our website's SDEHS Productions where you will see so much of the spirit and success of our school community.

Best wishes

Mark Piddington